Tag Archives: Havens Schatt

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Filip de Wandel and Gentley Collect First Grand Prix Win of 2016 at PBIEC

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Filip de Wandel and Gentley. Photo Credit: ©ManciniPhotos.

Melissandre Lincourt Pilots Just Stella L to Victory in $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake; Havens Schatt and Game Day Best $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Wellington, FL – January 5, 2015 – Filip de Wandel of Mechanicsburg, PA and his own Gentley earned their first win of 2016, topping a competitive class in the $30,000 Nutrena Grand Prix at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Sunday, January 3. De Wandel and Gentley impressed in the first grand prix competition of the New Year at PBIEC, crossing through the jump-off timers in 42.866 seconds to take top honors. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL showcased immense talent around the jump-off track, finishing in second and third place aboard ZZ-Top VH Schaarbroek Z and Boy IV, respectively. Competition at PBIEC continues tomorrow, Wednesday, January 6, with the ESP Holiday Finale, which will highlight the final grand prix of the 2015 ESP Holiday Series, the $50,000 UHealth Ear Institute Grand Prix on Sunday, January 10, and will begin at 12:00pm.

Gentley, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Bentley x Ulatrice), was bred by de Wandel’s father, Antoine de Wandel, in Belgium, and began his career with Filip de Wandel at the young age of three. The seasoned duo mastered the track, completing a solid first round before dominating the jump-off. The pair also rode to a top three finish in the $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake on Thursday, December 31, taking second place honors.

“When I walked the course I thought it was big enough for a pre-circuit grand prix and was set at a very good height. I was doing this class with him as a warm-up class for the WEF circuit and it worked out really well for us,” explained de Wandel. “He jumped well on Thursday and I felt very confident coming into this class today that we would do the same. You can always have one down or something, but he felt careful today.”

Andrade made a valiant effort to catch de Wandel’s time, finishing in 43.318 seconds aboard ZZ-Top VH Schaarbroek and 45.616 seconds on Boy IV, but settled with a second and third place in the class of 32 entries. De Wandel explained that Gentley has a strong talent for maintaining speed in jump-off rounds, especially when there are significant galloping stretches throughout the course. He stated, “His strengths are in the jump-off rounds. This jump-off suited him very well because there were a lot of places where you could gallop. On him, you can just continue to gallop and he will keep jumping well. It’s really nice because I know that I can focus on being quick and he will stay careful.”

The partnership formed between the pair in their seven-year tenure together has been proven with several successful results this season at the grand prix level. Earning their first ever career grand prix win together at PBIEC, de Wandel was elated with Gentley’s performance on Sunday afternoon.

“He’s ten now and I’ve had him since he was just three years old. It’s been a very special partnership for us. He’s been doing the grand prix classes very well this year. He placed at the Hampton Classic over the summer and he’s brought home a lot of ribbons, but we never were able to get a win. It feels great to start this circuit off with a win under our belts,” he noted.

With their first win in hand, de Wandel plans to use Gentley throughout the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit and is hopeful the pair will be able to contest some of the larger classes offered throughout the season. De Wandel explained, “I think I will try to start this circuit off doing the CSI 2* and 3* classes and see how he handles them before we decide if he’s ready for something bigger. If he does well, we will try to go as far as we can with him because he is very talented.

“He’s my only grand prix horse so I always need to be aware of what we’re doing with him. Our plan has been to only do five or six weeks throughout circuit. He’s started so well this year though that I think we’re in a place where we can hold off on the first week of WEF and do a CSI 2*. We’ll see how he does and go from there,” he continued.

Melissandre Lincourt and Just Stella L
Melissandre Lincourt and Just Stella L

Melissandre Lincourt Pilots Just Stella L to Victory in $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake

Melissandre Lincourt of Montreal, QC and Just Stella L stole the show in the $10,000 UHealth Ear Institute Open Stake on Thursday, December 31, at PBIEC. Lincourt and her own 2006 Oldenburg Springpferd mare (Singulord Joter x For Joy) Just Stella L dashed to the finish in 35.503 seconds.

The duo narrowly edged Filip de Wandel and Gentley, who collected second place with a time of 35.56 seconds. Andrew Kocher of St. Louis, MO guided Ciana, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC, to third place, crossing the timers in 36.414 seconds. The class of 32 entries saw six double clear rounds and fourteen combinations move forward to the jump off round.

Havens Schatt and Game Day Best $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Havens Schatt of Georgetown, KY rode Game Day, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Cristo x Ohio I) owned by Kelley Corrigan of Lexington, KY, to victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday, January 1, earning a first round score of 83.5 and a handy round score of 92, to receive an overall 175.5 from the judging panel.

Schatt continued her success earning a second place aboard Breeze owned by John Yozell of Dedham, MA. The duo picked up a score of 86 in the first round and 87 in the handy round for an overall total of 173. Hannah Isop of Pawling, NY and Jackson, owned by Christine Watkins of Rowaton, CT, finished in third place with scores of 82 and 88 for a total score of 170.

Competition at PBIEC will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, January 6, and continue through Sunday, January 10. The $50,000 UHealth Ear Institute Grand Prix will highlight the week as the last grand prix of the ESP Holiday Series before the commencement of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival circuit on Wednesday, January 13. For more information on PBIEC and to view a full weekly schedule, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano and Havens Schatt Share Grand Championship at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Havens Schatt and Custom Made.

Lexington, KY – May 14, 2015 – Havens Schatt and Jennifer Alfano battled neck and neck for the blue ribbons on day one of the professional hunter divisions at the Kentucky Spring Classic. The two friendly leading riders and their horses were back it today, eventually tying for the grand championship.

Beginning with the First Year Green Hunters, Schatt demonstrated her determination atop two entries, Custom Made and Capital City. In the over-fences class, Schatt piloted Custom Made to a first-place finish, ending up second in the handy and first on the flat to earn the division championship.

Custom Made, who is owned by Shaw Johnson Price, became a minor celebrity after jumping out of the Rost Arena with Schatt aboard at the Winter Equestrian Festival, but today the 10-year-old gelding was on his best behavior.

“I think Custom Made is really in a good place right now,” Schatt commented. “I’m a big believer that if you just take your time and help them try to understand, it’s not that difficult. They learn a lot.”

Schatt and Capital City were awarded the reserve championship for their winning handy round combined with a third-place and finish over fences.

“Everything you ask Capital City to do, he’s game to do it,” Schatt said. “He’s always right there to pick up the slack. This was the first week that he was really able to put everything together in every class, but he’s only 7, so he has way less experience than a horse like Custom Made.”

The Green and Regular Conformation Hunters were the next to show, with both Kelley Farmer and Peter Wylde in contention for the top spots. In the over-fences class, Farmer took home the blue atop Back Story, the big bay gelding owned by Tia Schurecht. The pair finished third in the handy and first on the flat, racking up enough points for the division championship.

“Back Story had a little break, but it’s awesome to have him back,” Farmer said. “As a First Year horse, he was champion at Devon, reserve at Capital Challenge, but he pretty much took the last year off. I think we’re right on track for being ready for Devon again. He’s a big, strong horse, and it’s not hard for him at all.”

Wylde and Levland, the 8-year-old entry owned by The Levland Group, were hot on her heels, taking home first place in the handy and coming in second to Farmer over fences and on the flat. The duo earned the division’s reserve championship for their efforts.

“We bought Levland to be a Grand Prix jumping star, but turns out Levland doesn’t like the water jump very much,” Wylde laughed. “He’s so beautiful and he’s such a good jumper that I thought maybe he would make a good hunter. We’re just starting with him, and I think he’s going to be a really good horse. I’m just so excited because he does it really well, and he’s beautiful to ride; he has Grand Prix scope.”

Havens Schatt and Set to Music
Havens Schatt and Set to Music

The day continued with the Second Year Green Hunter division, with Alfano and Schatt returning to face off once again. Schatt and Set to Music, owned by Deborah Perkins, improved from Wednesday’s second-place finishes, delivering three winning rounds to sweep day two and earn the division’s championship. The duo also accumulated enough points to tie Alfano and High Performance Hunter Maggie May for the overall co-grand championship.

“Set to Music is just so scopey,” Schatt said. “He’s like 15.2, so when you’re cantering to those big jumps, it’s a little nerve-wracking, but then he just does it with no problem. He’s just now coming into his own to put everything together, each and every time. That little horse knows how to turn it on at the big shows, but in between at the smaller shows, you’re like ‘come on, Calvin!’ He just knows when it matters.”

Rounding out the Second Years were Alfano and Candid, the previous day’s victors. The pair finished second over fences and third on the flat, earning the reserve championship.

It was Alfano’s time to shine in the High Performance Hunters with Helen Lenahan’s Maggie May. The mare won four out of the division’s five blue ribbons, earning the championship and joining Schatt for the overall co-grand championship.

“Maggie was great today,” Alfano remarked. “She went beautifully, and I’m so happy with her. I’ve had her for several years, and she’s just really coming into her own. She always was a great athlete, but she wasn’t really consistent. Now, you can call on her, and it’s really nice. We went slowly with her, and it’s paying off. She’s so smooth and pretty that when she does it right, she is so nice.”

The division’s reserve champion award went to Schatt and Mostly Sunny, the flashy chestnut owned by CH Farm LLC.

“Mostly Sunny is like my child,” Schatt gushed. “He can do no wrong in my eyes. He’s only 7, he’s inexperienced, but he’s so scopey that he won’t learn anything from the 3’3. At 3’6, he’s not really ready beat all of Scott’s great horses, but he’s got to go in there and learn.”

At the end of the day, both Alfano and Schatt were happy to share the Grand Championship honors. Alfano commented, “Getting co-grand champion with Havens was really fun. We’re friends, so it is always nice to be able to have this award at this show.”

Schatt agreed, saying, “It’s nice; it’s a great award. The level of competition at this horse show is so great; I think it’s really nice to have a grand championship. Jen’s a great rider, and she had an amazing day yesterday, and I couldn’t beat her,” Schatt laughed. “My horses were super today, and everything just fell into place. That’s how it goes with horse showing.”

Coverage will continue Friday with the USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search 2*. Saturday is “Derby Day,” with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby taking center stage.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Back-to-Back Blue Ribbons for Bacardi and Havens Schatt at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Havens Schatt and Bacardi.

Jumpers on Hold Due to Weather

Lexington, KY – May 14, 2014 – Today marked the beginning of the Kentucky Spring Classic and an impressive start to the spring show season for Caroline Moran’s Bacardi. With Havens Schatt in the irons, the gray gelding earned consecutive scores of 92 for back-to-back wins in the Second Year Green Hunters at the Kentucky Horse Park.

While one would never guess it after watching his rounds today, the Kentucky Spring Classic marked Bacardi’s first return to the show ring after more than a month off and an unusual winter in Florida.

“While we were in Florida, he developed allergies to Melaleuca trees,” Schatt explained. “That was really a pain. During Week IV [of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF)], I was riding him to the ring for the warm-up and some leaves hit him in the face. He just started sneezing and shaking and trying to get to the fence to rub his nose.”

Schatt continued, “He just wasn’t himself. We had him tested for allergies, and we found out that that’s what it was. He was a little bit better by the end of WEF; he’d started on allergy shots, but I’ve just tried to keep his workload kind of light so that he could get through the round of shots. It’s a pretty long process.”

While it has been particularly light as of recent, a limited workload is the general approach that Schatt takes with Bacardi, and given their continuous successes it is an approach that is working out well. “When we go in the ring, I kind of feel like I’m winging it, but so far it’s working,” Schatt said. “To ride a horse like him is truly an honor. I don’t know that I’ve ever had a horse that goes in the ring trying to do his best every time and can act like that at home.”

With their two first place finishes, Schatt and Bacardi sit as the clear front runners heading in to day two of professional hunter competition in the Stonelea Ring. Christopher Payne and Channing and Jennifer Smith and As Always follow them closely, as both pairs turned in impressive performances over the Bobby Murphy designed courses to each earn a second place finish in today’s two over fences classes.

Scott Stewart and Everly
Scott Stewart and Everly

In the High Performance Hunter division, it is Scott Stewart and Everly and Kelley Farmer and Mindful who sit tied at the top heading in to tomorrow. Both horses received identical scores of 93 and 90, with Stewart and Everly taking the 93 and the top call in the first class and Farmer and Mindful topping the field with the 93 in the second class.

Similarly to Bacardi, Everly has enjoyed several months off after last showing during Week VI of WEF, and the mare, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, returned to the ring today at the top of her game.

“She’s such a great jumper and such a great horse that we’re really able to just pick and choose what shows we do,” Stewart said. “I think today was the best she’s ever gone for me really. She was just very relaxed. I was really thrilled.”

Everly’s performances today bodes well leading up to week when she and Stewart will head to the Devon Horse Show.  “We like to come here before Devon,” Stewart said. “There’s so much space here to ride, and I think the horses are relaxed. It’s a new, change of venue for them after being in Florida. There’s good footing, and the courses were great today.”

Jumpers on Hold Due to Weather

This afternoon in the Rolex Stadium, the 1.40m Open Jumper speed class was the highlight event. Twenty-eight riders showed over Michel Vaillancourt’s track, before the class had to be stopped due to strong storms in the area. The leader before the class was put on hold was Emanuel Andrade and AD Vangelys, owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC.

Emanuel Andrade and AD Vangelys, before the storm
Emanuel Andrade and AD Vangelys, before the storm

The pace to beat was set early by Pablo Barrios and Hollow Creek Farm’s Crossfire 10 at a clear 60.834 seconds, but Andrade followed two rounds later. Andrade and AD Vangelys sliced the turns, and the pair was able to cross the finish line in a speedy 58.871 seconds to take over the lead. The only other rider to come close to Andrade’s time was Juan Ortiz and Korkade, who finished in 60.519 seconds.

There were still 13 riders set to return, and they will have the chance to try and catch Andrade’s time tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. The 1.45m Open Jumper class was moved to Thursday afternoon. For an updated schedule, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Tomorrow afternoon’s main event will be the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Riders will also have the opportunity to showcase their mounts during Saturday evening’s $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. The hunter riders will return to the Stonelea Arena tomorrow for the conclusion of the professional hunter divisions, and on Saturday evening they will vie for the winning honors in the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby.

For more information about the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Minikus and Foster Earn Top Prizes in $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3

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Todd Minikus and Quality Girl. Photos © Sportfot.

Havens Schatt and Bacardi Triumph in Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green Working Hunters

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2014 – Week three of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Fidelity Investments, continued on Thursday afternoon with a shared victory for Todd Minikus (USA) and Quality Girl and Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Victor in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3. Held in a “California Split” due to the large number of entries, the competition awarded two sets of placings, each with $34,000 distributed.

Week three of FTI WEF competition continues through Sunday, January 26. The week will feature the $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m on Friday, the highlight $125,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday night, and the $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.

Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge set the course for the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 on Thursday in the International Arena at PBIEC. The class saw a total of 92 entries with 24 clear rounds advancing to the jump-off. Twelve jumped clear over the short course, and Todd Minikus and the Quality Group’s Quality Girl had the fastest time of 40.34 seconds overall for the win in Section A of the class. Tiffany Foster and Artisan Farms LLC and Torrey Pines Stable’s Victor finished in 40.50 seconds for the win in Section B.

The top three finishers in Section A included Minikus and Quality Girl, Ian Millar (CAN) and Dixson, owned by Ariel and Susan Grange, with their time of 40.84 seconds, and Eric Lamaze (CAN) with Artisan Farms LLC’s Zigali P S in 43 seconds flat.

Section B saw a top finish for Foster and Victor, with Kent Farrington (USA) and Amalaya Investments’ Willow in second in 41.80 seconds, and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Octavia Farms’ Checkmate 4 in third in 43.52 seconds.

After his win aboard Quality Girl, Todd Minikus remarked on the star-studded line-up of horses and riders in Thursday’s jump-off. “That was pretty spectacular really, if you looked at the list and how that was playing out,” Minikus acknowledged. “We had everybody from Meredith to Kent to Ian to McLain. Beezie had the lead for a while. That was pretty fun. It got a little faster and a little faster and a little faster.”

“Things kind of just came up nice for me in the turns, and it all worked out,” Minikus said of his jump-off round on Quality Girl. He also had a second chance in the jump-off with Legacy Stables’ Uraguay and did his best to get both top spots, but had an unfortunate stop in the short course.

“I was really trying hard to be second with Uraguay,” he said. “I think I was faster from fence one to two and back to the combination on him and then I kind of got in the same rut that everybody else turned in and he slipped bad going to that vertical. That kind of stunk, but that horse was really on his game too.”

Minikus acknowledged the effort of course designer Guilherme Jorge in Thursday’s class, stating, “I tell you, that’s gotta be a tough job trying to design for that many horses. I guess if you go with percentage of the class, he had 26% clear. That was probably the right percentage. It sounds like a lot, but 24 out of 92, that’s probably a good number. It was a nice course. Some of the younger horses jumped it well, and it was nice that the show management did the California Split. That was the right thing to do with that many entries.”

In addition to the prize money in Thursday’s class, Minikus earned a special $3,000 bonus as part of the SSG ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion for wearing his SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves. Each week of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series, a $3,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning rider if they are wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible.

Tiffany Foster and Victor
Tiffany Foster and Victor

Tiffany Foster was also very happy with her win in Section B of Thursday’s class aboard Victor, her mount of nearly four years. Commenting on the top finish, Foster smiled, “Every win is exciting for me. He felt awesome, and he was perfect. He knows this ring really well, so I know I can take a lot of risks with him here and he is really confident and comfortable. When he is jumping like he was today, I knew I could go really fast.”

“The jump-off was really wide open,” Foster noted. “You had to carry a lot of ground speed and that gets a little hairy sometimes, but not for Victor. He loves that. There was a lot of open galloping, and we are good at that.”

“Because he is so careful, I could go really fast to the plank and really fast to the last jump,” Foster added. “I didn’t slow down at all to those two fences. Most horses, you need to give them a little balancing point so that they can get up and go clear, but I know when he is jumping like that he is never going to knock it down and I can just run as fast as I can. It’s a good feeling; you don’t get that on all of them, that’s for sure.”

An $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class was also held in the International Arena on Thursday morning with a win for McLain Ward and Alain van Campenhoudt’s Citizenguard Million Dreams. The $2,500 Amateur-Owner Jumpers, sponsored by Engel & Völkers, Sollak Carr, saw a win for Abigail McArdle and David McArdle’s Cosma 20.

Havens Schatt and Bacardi Triumph in Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green Working Hunters

Havens Schatt and Bacardi are already off to a good start in 2014. In the seven-year-old KWPN gelding’s first show of his second green year, Bacardi and Schatt were champions of the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green Working Hunter at FTI WEF on Thursday afternoon. Schatt piloted Bacardi to four blue ribbon rounds over fences and placed third in the under saddle class.

The reserve champion for the division was As Always, ridden by Jennifer Hannah and owned by Jennifer Smith. The pair were first in the under saddle and fifth, second, fourth, and second over fences.

Schatt and Bacardi had quite the year during 2013 in the First Year Green Working Hunter division. Together they picked up seven division championship titles, culminating with being crowned Grand Green Hunter Champion at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Caroline Moran, Bacardi’s owner, was thrilled to see her gelding off to an equally successful start in 2014. Bacardi and Schatt topped their final over fences round on Thursday with an astounding score of 97.

“I didn’t think he could beat himself when he was a First Year horse, but I think he’s jumping the Second Years even better. He is just an amazing horse,” Moran commented.

Bacardi’s steadfast attitude in the show ring is what Moran believes gives him his edge.

“He’s just so consistent. He can be a bit of a brat at home, but whenever he comes to the ring he’s all business and is just a consistently good horse. In my opinion, he’s getting better and better,” she continued.

Moran, an accomplished amateur rider, has gotten in the saddle a few times herself, but is happy to watch Bacardi flourish under a talented rider like Schatt.

“When Havens prepares him to go to the ring, he’s absolutely perfect, so my job is not difficult,” Moran laughed. “He’s just an all-around great horse and of course she rides beautifully. She makes everything look so smooth and every horse look so easy. I think she’s just a classic rider. I think she’s a smart rider. She picks and chooses where she wants to show the horses and only when they’re ready. I think she’s a good horseman.”

Schatt emphasized that slow and steady was the only suitable approach for Bacardi, although she never had any doubt that he would turn into the champion he has become.

“I had in my heart that he could be an amazing horse and I really felt that if you rushed him, you were just going to turn him the wrong way. He was a little bit tricky at first, but it was more just to let him go at his speed than push him to do something he wasn’t really ready for,” Schatt described.

From the start, Bacardi has been a favorite mount for Schatt, who enjoys the unique opportunity she has been afforded to have a mount of her own.

“My job is young horses and making sure they’re ready for their amateurs. He’s really the only horse that I’ve ever had that’s been really just for me. I’ve not really had an owner that let me have a horse and do [what I want],” Schatt explained.

She continued, “I love riding him. That’s why in the very beginning, even though he was a little bit of a pistol, I wanted to have him for myself. He just always seemed to suit my ride. He’s got an amazing rhythm and for a little horse, he has such a big stride. The way his jumping style is, and his front end is so correct, you don’t have to be perfect at every distance. If you’re a little tight or a little long, he’s going to take care of it for you as long as you tell him what you want. That’s always a nice feeling.”

Schatt is equally grateful for her long-standing friendship with Moran. Schatt has ridden horses for Moran for more than 10 years and is comforted knowing Bacardi will always have a loving home.

“She’s such a great person. She loves the horses as much as I do. If he didn’t want to do Second Years for some reason, with what he’s won and what he’s done with her, she would do adult [amateurs] or just play with him. He has a home forever and she’s a great, great person,” Schatt expressed.

Week three of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival will continue on Friday with the $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m in the International Arena and the presentation of championship honors to the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Section A in the Rost Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Havens Schatt Wins Kentucky Spring Classic Highlight $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

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Havens Schatt and Just Fred.

Lexington, KY – May 18, 2013 – Havens Schatt and Just Fred were just about flawless in tonight’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. Schatt and Just Fred, owned by R. Bruce Duchossois of Aiken, SC, claimed the victory in what is one of the Kentucky Spring Classic’s most highlighted hunter events. The class, held today in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park, is the second in the seven-part Hallway Feeds Series in which top riders from across the country vie for their share of the $15,000 Leading Rider Awards.

Tonight’s ten obstacle first round course set by Bobby Murphy featured a number of bending lines and rollbacks all set at 3′ with four 3’6″ option fences. If cleared successfully, the higher options were each worth an additional point added to each of the judges’ scores. From the opening field of 32 horse and rider pairs, the top 12 scoring combinations made the cutoff to come back for the handy round course, also designed by Murphy. The handy course featured nine obstacles, many of which were built to imitate the fences a rider would face on the hunt field. It presented riders with even more tight turns and rollbacks and different options to showcase their horses’ handiness.

“I thought the courses were great. The handy course really made you think, and it really made you go to all angles of the ring to see what was possible and what wasn’t,” Schatt commented. “There were so many different ways to ride it.”

Kelley Farmer returned to the handy round in the third place position with a first round score of 90 aboard Red Sky, owned by Dr. Kenneth and Selma Garber and Larry Glefke of Keswick, VA. Farmer and Red Sky took all of the higher options over the second course to earn a handy round score of 87, for a grand total of 177 over both courses, which would end up cementing their spot in third place for the night.

Farmer’s high score in the first was overtaken by Schatt and Just Fred, who returned as the second to last to go with a first round score of 91. The pair skillfully maneuvered the handy course to earn a base score of 84, plus four additional points for taking each of the higher options for a total second round score of 88. That score combined with their first round score of 91 moved them into the first place position with an overall point tally of 179.

Kelley Farmer and Skorekeeper
Kelley Farmer and Skorekeeper

Farmer was back again as the final rider to return, this time with Skorekeeper, owned by Larry Glefke and Quail Run Partnership of Keswick, VA. The seven-year-old horse earned a total first round score of 94 to shoot him to the top of the leader board going back in to the final round, but a slight chip to the third fence of the handy course would leave him with a second round score of 84. That 84 left Farmer and Skorekeeper with a final point total of 178, just one point behind Schatt and Just Fred for the second place award.

“The camaraderie in these classes is really nice. It’s competitive, but it doesn’t seem so high stress,” Schatt said following the class. “The classes are great to get young horses in the ring and get them going and get them used to the people watching, the crowds and the banners. I think it’s an awesome series.”

Both Skorekeeper and Just Fred are brand new to the hunter derby field and are already making their mark in winning style. Both made their derby debuts just last weekend, at the Memphis in May USHJA International Hunter Derby for Skorekeeper and at the first $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby for Just Fred.

“We bought him last year in Florida, and he was actually doing the jumpers,” Schatt said of Just Fred. “We thought that the derby would be really fun out there in the big ring [the Rolex Stadium] last weekend, and he was awesome. We were fourth going back into the handy round, but I walked the trot jump. It wasn’t Fred’s fault. So we planned to do it again this week and see how he’s coming along.”

Schatt continued, “Fred can really jump, so we’ll see how he comes along, but I would hope come June I could do the bigger derbies. I think he’d be really fun to do in those.”

The Hallway Feeds Hunter Derby Series returns at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, with the third class in the series being held July 27.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

Hunter competition continues tomorrow at the Kentucky Horse Park as the Kentucky Spring Classic comes to a close with the awarding of the Small Junior Hunter and Children’s Hunter championships.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Conor Swail and Martha Louise Win $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10

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Conor Swail and Martha Louise. Photo © Sportfot.

Smiles and Havens Schatt Continue Winning Streak in Lucas Equine Equipment Performance Hunter 3’3″ Division

Wellington, FL – March 14, 2013 – Ireland’s Conor Swail and Chinook Valley, Inc.’s Martha Louise were victorious in Thursday’s $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 during week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival’s (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland.

Week ten’s competition runs March 13-17 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) featuring CSI 3* competition. Highlights include the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m on Friday, the $82,000 Horseware Ireland CSI 3* Grand Prix on Saturday, and the $33,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday.

Tomorrow night’s exciting line-up of events at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival at The Stadium includes the $10,000 Head-to-Head Competition over the high jump “Puissance” wall at 6 pm, the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Horseware Ireland under the lights at 7:30 pm, and The Yale Spizzwinks (?) A Capella singing performances. General admission and parking are free, and there will be fantastic raffle prizes handed out to general admission seat holders. It will be a night of power and grace for equestrian sport that you won’t want to miss!

The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany set the course in the International Arena for Thursday’s Challenge Cup class with 64 entries, 13 clear rounds to advance to the jump-off, and five double clear efforts over the short course. Conor Swail and Martha Louise, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang, had the leading time in 42.53 seconds.

Swail got Martha Louise last year and had a great season with many top placings, including wins in the Gijon and Dublin 5* shows in Europe. The mare is just starting up with her season this year and has not shown a lot yet, but proved to be back in form with a great win on Thursday.

“She kind of excelled herself today; she was just fantastic,” Swail smiled after the class. “She is a real good winner. She is a great horse to have on the truck and she is only nine years old. I have to say, she was very good today. I wasn’t really expecting her to be so good because she hasn’t been doing a lot and I thought she would be a bit rusty, but she was fantastic in the jump-off.”

Swail went second in the jump-off and had to beat a fast pace set down by Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star. He explained his strategy.

“I was quite lucky because Charlie was first and I was second,” Swail stated. “I watched him closely because he is a fast rider and also whenever the ring is dragged, there are no other tracks, only his, so when I was riding around I could see his tracks. He was tight. He was very good one to two, he was tight to three. He was also very tight to the white oxer, but then coming down to the double he went ten (strides) and I went eight. I think that is where I got him. I took the risk of having the vertical down. I was quite narrow going into the double and I think that is where it paid off.”

With a smaller class and some of the top horses taking a break after last week’s CSI 5* competition, Swail thought the class was a perfect way for Martha Louise to start the season.

“She is a very kind horse,” he said of the mare. “She has a big, slow canter, but she also has a lot of quality and good scope. She is really nice. She could be inexperienced at this level. Sometimes she can worry a bit off the jump and sometimes I can press too hard and don’t totally trust that she will do it, so that we have to smooth out a little, but apart from that she does a lot of great things.”

Charlie Jacobs (USA) and CMJ Sporthorse LLC’s Flaming Star finished second in 43.72 seconds. Lauren Tisbo (USA) and Tequestrian Farms LLC’s Roundthorn Madios were third in 44.47 seconds. Heather Caristo-Williams and M/M Ralph Caristo’s Evening Star placed fourth in 44.49 seconds. Fifth place honors went to Japan’s Taizo Sugitani and Yvonne Young’s Avenzio 3 with their time of 47.39 seconds.

Along with his winning prize money, Swail was also presented with a special rider’s bonus for the SSG “Go Clean for the Green” promotion. A $3,000 bonus is offered each week if the winning rider of the Challenge Cup class is wearing the SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible.

Smiles and Havens Schatt Continue Winning Streak in Lucas Equine Equipment Performance Hunter 3’3″ Division

Havens Schatt and Smiles had plenty to grin about after earning championship honors in the Lucas Equine Equipment Performance Hunter 3’3″ division during week ten of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Schatt and Smiles, a ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Bruce Duchossois, bested the division with consistent performances over two days of competition. Day one, the pair won the under saddle and placed first and third over fences, followed by second and fourth place finishes on day two. Hayley Barnhill and Missy Luczak-Smith’s Surf’s Up were reserve champions after two blue ribbon finishes over fences on day two.

Schatt was eager to give Smiles a change of pace after he returned from some time away from the show ring. “He hasn’t shown for two weeks, so it was especially fun to show in a different ring,” Schatt admitted. “He’s never been in Ring 7 before, so he really had his ears up and we had a lot of fun with it.”

Havens Schatt and Smiles. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography
Havens Schatt and Smiles. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Schatt enjoyed the opportunity to ride one of her more mature mounts in a new environment. “Ring 7 can be hard because of the jumper horses being nearby. Today’s classes followed the Pre-Greens, so the courses were simple, but built very nicely. I deal with a lot of younger horses and so it was nice to be on an older horse that you know will be good in a new venue,” Schatt explained.

“I’ve been riding Smiles for about a year and a half, and he’s been a pleasure throughout,” she continued. “He does anything you ask him to do in any ring you ask him to do it in. He’s a very easygoing dude,” Schatt smiled.

While Schatt is no stranger to the winner’s circle with her talented string of hunter mounts, she especially appreciates her close bond with Smiles. “I know him really well and I know every time I get on him exactly what I have, which isn’t always the case with the young ones. He’s very consistent, which is really nice,” Schatt described.

Schatt and Smiles are currently in first place in the FTI WEF circuit championship standings for the division. Schatt credits their success to Smiles’ striking presentation and remarkable natural talent. “He’s bigger and he’s all chestnut, so he’s very elegant and stands out a little bit. He always jumps the same with great follow-through behind. He jumps as well behind as he does in front. He can jump high with so much ease, has beautiful movement across the ground, and you don’t have to pull on his mouth. He gets in one rhythm where everything just happens,” Schatt concluded.

Schatt will continue to ride Smiles for the duration of the FTI WEF in addition to owner Duchossois, who will return to the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ divisions with Smiles during week eleven of the FTI WEF. Week ten, sponsored by Horseware Ireland, will continue Friday when the Camping World Adult Hunter 51 & Over Section A names its champion in the Gene Mische Grand Hunter Arena. The $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m will be featured in the International Arena during the day and the $35,000 G&C Farm Puissance will be held at The Stadium at PBIEC in the evening. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Katie Monahan-Prudent and V are Victorious in $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3

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Havens Schatt Wins Third Equine Tack & Nutritionals First Year Green Hunter Championship, This Time with Sons Souci

Katie Monahan-Prudent and V. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – January 24, 2013 – Renowned show jumper Katie Monahan-Prudent guided Michael Smith’s V to victory in Thursday’s $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 during the third week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Competing in the International Arena at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), the seasoned veteran topped young U.S. competitors Kristen Vanderveen (23) aboard Bull Run’s Eternal and Lauren Tibso aboard Tequestrian Farms’ Roundthorn Madios (28) who finished second and third respectively.

Week three of the FTI WEF runs January 23-27. The week will feature the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge (FTI GCC), presented by Fidelity Investments, at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. This year, the event will distribute $1.5 million to 34 lucky Palm Beach County charities in a pro-am team competition.

Other highlights will include the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC will host the $50,000 CSI 2* Grand Prix, weather permitting, at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The 2013 FTI WEF circuit continues through March 31 featuring 12 weeks of world-class competition.

Continue reading Katie Monahan-Prudent and V are Victorious in $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 →

Awards, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Havens Schatt and Valencia Win the Championship Tricolor in the High Performance Hunters at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Havens Schatt and Valencia win the High Performance Hunter Championship award at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo Credit: Kendall Bierer/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 18, 2011 – Although thunderstorms threatened the morning classes at the Kentucky Horse Park, diligent horse and rider combinations turned out to the Stonelea Ring for the second day of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Thankfully, the sun began to make its way through the clouds, and riders were blessed with beautiful weather yet again as they made their rounds. Today marked the conclusion of the professional hunters divisions, awarding top honors to riders in their respective divisions. Scott Stewart and Dedication took home the tricolor champion award in the First Year Green Working Hunters, while Hunt Tosh and Cold Harbor garnered the champion award in the Green Conformation Hunters. Patricia Griffith piloted Sienna to a strong conclusion in the Second Year Green Working Hunters earning the top honors. Elizabeth Boyd and Casallo swept the over fences and won the under saddle in the Regular Conformation Hunters. It was Havens Schatt aboard Valencia, who earned the championship prize in the High Performance Hunters, proving consistent with their past performances.

As seen by their previous performances, Havens Schatt and Valencia, owned by CH Farm, LLC of Delano, MN, seem to have the High Performance Hunters figured out. Yesterday, the talented duo claimed two second place ribbons during the over fences classes, narrowly missing the blues with scores of 84 and 86. However, Schatt and Valencia continued today with strong and consistent rounds, earning scores of 84 and 80 over fences and the first place position in the under saddle class, proving to be the Champions of the High Performance Hunters.

“I felt as though our rounds were really good today, although I did think that she was better yesterday in the Working Hunter classes,” Schatt admitted. “We are still trying to figure things out; Valencia sometimes forgets that the handy is not a jump-off. I think that some of her jumper instinct comes back to her and she gets a little worked up for that.”

Continue reading Havens Schatt and Valencia Win the Championship Tricolor in the High Performance Hunters at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show →